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Our Staff
Meet Our Teachers and Staff
Christy Tornelli, Executive Director
This April marks 15 years at TCC! Christy Tornelli earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from The University of Texas at Austin and loves supporting young children as they grow and learn. Outside of school, Christy enjoys watercolor painting, film photography, and traveling with her husband and two daughters.
Laurie Darlak, Director of Education
This year marks 11 years at TCC! Laurie Darlak earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of New Orleans. Prior to joining TCC, Laurie taught at St. Monica Catholic School and Fairhill School. She loves to travel and explore the world and previously lived in Brussels, Belgium.
Kim Garvin, Admissions Coordinator
A longtime member of the TCC community, Kim Garvin joined the staff after serving as Parent Sponsor for two years. Kim earned a BBA in Marketing from Texas State University and brings a background in marketing, sales, and account management. Outside of school, she enjoys quilting, crafting, and creating fun projects with her Cricut.
Kit Brewer, Teaching Assistant
Leslie Brooks, Teaching Assistant
Leslie Brooks is TCC’s longest-tenured employee and is celebrating 26 years with the school. Leslie attended Highland Park High School and studied at Brookhaven College and Richland College. She brings years of experience, dedication, and most importantly - fun to TCC!
Ashley Brown, Art Teacher
Katie Clark, Assistant Teacher
This school year marks Katie Clark's second year at TCC! Katie earned degrees in English and Political Science from Southern Methodist University and a master's degree in Special Education from Texas Tech University. Before joining TCC, she taught Special Education in public schools for nine years. Outside of school, Katie enjoys yoga and even spent a year teaching yoga and Les Mills BodyFlow classes full time.
Morgan Ferguson, 2-Day
This school year marks Morgan Martinez's second year at TCC! Morgan earned a bachelor's degree in Communications and Spanish from the University of North Texas and spent 14 years teaching children from age three through second grade at St. John's Episcopal School. Outside of school, Morgan enjoys practicing kenpo karate and earned her third-degree black belt in 2022.
Kristi Florence, 5-Day Pre K
This year marks 25 years at TCC! Kristi Florence earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Baylor University. At home, Kristi loves game nights and a little friendly competition.
Suzanne Frankenfeld, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 5 years at TCC. Suzanne Frankenfield earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of North Texas. Suzanne grew up in Speedway, Indiana, just minutes from the Indianapolis 500 racetrack!
Betsy Heffernan, 4-Day
This year marks 5 years at TCC. Betsy Heffernan earned her Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama and her M.Ed. and teaching certification from Texas A&M University–Commerce. Betsy is a big college football fan - Roll Tide!
Megan Hiltabidle, 4-Day
This year marks 20 years at TCC. Megan Hiltabidle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. Megan's mom founded and ran a preschool for 37 years, inspiring her passion for early childhood education.
Colleen Inman, 4-day
Colleen Inman is celebrating 9 years as a teacher at TCC and has been part of the community even longer. Colleen earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University. At home, she is all in - whether it is coaching a team, hosting a party, baking treats, chaperoning, or running carpool, she is always first in line.
Laura Irving, 5-Day Pre-K
This year marks 20 years at TCC. Laura Irving earned her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, her M.A. from DePaul University, and also studied at Tulane University. A New Orleans native, Laura loves celebrating Mardi Gras with her students.
Katie Levy, 2-Day
Katie Levy has been part of the TCC community for 8 years, including 3 years as an assistant and 2 years in the classroom. Katie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Texas at Austin and her MBA from Southern Methodist University. Outside of school, she is often in the kitchen baking something delicious.
LouAnn McNaughton, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 3 years at TCC. LouAnn McNaughton studied Business at Oklahoma State University. Outside of school, she loves painting, decorating, and creating fun spaces.
Jennifer Morgan, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 2 years at TCC. Jennifer Morgan focused her college studies on Early Childhood Development in Colorado and continued her education after moving to Texas. Jennifer has many years of experience working with children through her church and as a nanny. Born and raised in Colorado, she and her family love to ski!
Kasey Noll, Teaching Assistant
Denisa Odegaard, 2-Day & 3-Day
This year marks 2 years at TCC. Denisa Odegaard studied at University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom. Outside of school, Denise's family loves traveling - especially road trips, including one that lasted five weeks!
Catherine Peterson, Math Teacher
This year marks 7 years at TCC. Catherine Peterson earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of North Texas and holds her Early Childhood through Fourth Grade teaching certification. Catherine and her sister welcomed baby boys on the same day, just one hour apart, at the same hospital.
Ellie Raney, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 2 years at TCC. Ellie Raney earned her Sociology degree from Texas Woman's University and is an AMI-certified Montessori assistant for ages 0–3. Ellie and her family spent a year living in Ireland, embracing the adventure of life abroad.
Ruth Ramirez, Spanish Teacher
This year marks 6 years at TCC. Ruth Ramirez attended Woodrow Wilson High School and studied at The University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Woman's University, earning her degree in Math and Early Childhood Education. Ruth loves staying active - especially practicing inversions.
Amanda Ritchie, 3-Day
This year marks 3 years at TCC. Amanda Ritchie studied at Oklahoma State University, is a Texas Certified Early Childhood Teacher, and brings over 10 years of experience in education. A former public school teacher and proud PTA parent, Amanda truly believes it takes a village.
Amanda Sevak, Music Teacher
Amanda Sevek has been part of TCC for 13 years, including 4 years as our music teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. Amanda even recorded an original children’s album titled A Day in the Park.
Whitney Wagner, Literacy Teacher
Whitney Wagner is celebrating 4 years at TCC. Whitney earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Special Education from Miami University, holds a Literacy Coaching certification from Lesley University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She played Division I field hockey in college and still brings that competitive spirit with her.
Our dedicated, caring, and educated teachers and staff are at the heart of all we do. They bring over 175 years of combined teaching experience at The Children's Center, many with years of teaching experience before joining our team. Almost all, like you, selected The Children's Center for their own children. Their incredible commitment to early childhood education along with their philosophical alignment to our Mission and Vision bring a consistency of education across all ages and classes.
Jordan Turner, 2017-present
" The TCC difference starts with the teachers. The teacher meets your child, for the first time, at your home so that they get to meet a new person in their safe space. My sons love showing their teachers their room and favorite toys. When the pandemic hit the teachers stood outside the school to hand us packets to help us keep the kids learning and engaged and are always find ways to work collaboratively together ”
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